LIVE UPDATES: Election Day 2020 In Utah

Nov 3, 2020, 1:30 PM | Updated: 10:00 pm

Davis County residents cast their ballots at a drive-thru location. (Derek Petersen, KSL TV)

(Derek Petersen, KSL TV)

KSLTV.com

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Tuesday is the last day to drop off ballots or vote in person, and Utahns across the state are taking part in the election process.

This article will be continuously updated throughout the day with KSL’s Election Day coverage.

For more information on Decision 2020, check out KSL’s coverage here.

Rep. Blake Moore Wins 1st Congressional District Seat

Republican Blake Moore has won the election to the U.S. House in Utah’s 1st Congressional District, replacing Rep. Rob Bishop.

“Words cannot describe how humbled I am to be elected to Congress to represent northern Utah,” Moore wrote in a tweet.

He thanked everyone who voted for him and said he looks forward to serving as Utah’s representative.

Thank you to everyone who trusted me with their vote, and I look forward to serving you as your representative. God Bless the Great State of Utah, and God Bless America. #utpol

— Blake Moore (@ElectBlakeMoore) November 4, 2020

Congressional District 1 winner Blake Moore says ‘It’s been a long year for all of us but I’ve never felt more energized.’#KSL2020 #Election2020 #ElectionDay #utpol

— Debbie Worthen (@DebbieWorthen) November 4, 2020

Devin Thorpe Concedes Utah’s 3rd Congressional District Seat

Devin Thorpe conceded Utah’s 3rd Congressional District seat to incumbent John Curtis.

Thorpe said he called John Curtis just before 8:30 p.m. to congratulate him on his victory.

He posted on Twitter, thanking everyone who supported his campaign.

Minutes ago, I called John Curtis to congratulate him on his victory.

While I am disappointed with the outcome, I am grateful to everyone who supported our campaign in any way.

I'll be live at 10:35 to comment on the outcome on Facebook at https://t.co/vbI9sETduK.

— Devin D. Thorpe (@devindthorpe) November 4, 2020

Greg Skordas Concedes AG Race

Greg Skordas said he will concede the race for Utah’s Attorney General to incumbent Sean Reyes.

BREAKING: Greg Skordas says he will concede race to AG incumbent Sean Reyes. pic.twitter.com/rnToFUqHKa

— KSL NewsRadio (@kslnewsradio) November 4, 2020

Skordas was disappointed with the outcome, but said he knew it would be an uphill battle against an incumbent Republican.

AG Sean Reyes released a statement on Tuesday’s election results:

“I’d like to thank the voters in Utah for participating in record numbers through mail-in and in person balloting. Regardless of party or ideology, our state and nation are stronger when more of us educate ourselves on candidates and issues and participate in elections. It is exciting to see. No matter the outcome, hopefully we can remember those things that unite us as Utahns and Americans. And when all the ballots are counted, I look forward to serving four more years as Attorney General, protecting Utah and all who live in this great state.”

President Donald Trump Wins Vote In Utah, According to NBC News

President Donald Trump has won the vote in Utah and its 6 electoral votes, according to NBC News.

BREAKING: President Donald Trump has won the vote in Utah, according to @NBCNews, and its 6 electoral votes. #KSL2020 #ElectionDay https://t.co/wuC8O8O1qJ

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) November 4, 2020

Spencer Cox Wins Gubernatorial Race, According To AP

Utah’s Gubernatorial Race has been called for current Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, according to the Associated Press.

Spencer Cox thanked his supporters and friends and said he cannot wait to start serving Utah.

BREAKING UPDATE: AP calls Spencer Cox winner in Utah governor's race https://t.co/zSOFaBeLma

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) November 4, 2020

@SpencerJCox thanks supporters and friends, says he cannot wait to get started to serve Utah. #utpol. #Election2020 results

— DNews Politics (@DNewsPolitics) November 4, 2020

Armed Men Station Outside Salt Lake Government Building

Around a dozen men armed with AR-15s stood around the Salt Lake Government building as polling locations began to close across the state Tuesday.

It was at the same location where a group of Black Lives Matter demonstrators set up across the street from a Trump rally that was held in the early afternoon hours.

Before the polls closed, the Trump rally flags were taken down and the armed men moved in.

One of the Black Lives Matter demonstrators was armed with a handgun.

Men with assault rifles are standing around the SLCo govt center. Across the street is a group of 30 or so protesters waving “Black Lives Matter” signs. One of the BLM protestors is armed with a handgun. @KSL5TV @kslnewsradio pic.twitter.com/v5pecboWSc

— Matt Gephardt KSL (@KslMatt) November 4, 2020

KSL’s Matt Gephardt witnessed a moment of violence in the form of vandalism outside the Government Center. A truck, which had Donald Trump flags flying from its bed, stopped in front of the Black Lives Matter protest and the truck’s window was smashed. That caused the glass to litter the intersection of 2100 South and State Street.

pic.twitter.com/7Y9a4nMvRH

— Matt Gephardt KSL (@KslMatt) November 4, 2020

Behind-The-Scenes Look At Salt Lake County Ballot Processing Center

KSL’s Ladd Egan has a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to Salt Lake County ballots after they are turned in and what security precautions election officials are taking to keep votes anonymous.

County officials said they have seen record turnout. Nearly 460,000 votes have been cast in Salt Lake County as of 6 p.m., compared to the more than 427,000 votes cast during the 2016 Presidential Election.

I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how mail-in ballots are processed in #Utah. We have live cameras monitoring the process in Salt Lake and Utah counties. #ElectionNight #KSL2020 #Elections2020 @KSLcom @kslnewsradio @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/6AsVIk1wdH

— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) November 4, 2020

Tracking Voter Intimidation, Abiding By Polling Location Laws

KSL’s Brittany Glas has been monitoring voter intimidation throughout the state.

She said the important thing to remember is to avoid the polls, unless you’re there to cast your ballot.

By law, every polling location has a 150-foot buffer zone.

“Demonstrations, holding up signs, any type of intimidation near a polling location isn’t permitted,” said Capt. Tanner Jensen with the Utah Department of Public Safety.

Polling location laws include no interfering, flags or signage for candidates or parties on vehicles are prohibited, can’t follow voters to cars, don’t disrupt lines, and no brandishing of firearms.

If you see anything that doesn’t feel right, reach out to our Vote Watch team at 385-707-6153, or visit ksltv.com/votewatch.

Vehicles seen with “Trump 2020” flags in parking lot of AF polling place. These voters appeared to cast their ballot outside, but afterward were taking pictures of the motorcycle/flag, even with other voters. Just a reminder, this is ILLEGAL & considered electioneering. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/xX3pLfleqD

— Brittany Glas (@BrittanyGlasTV) November 4, 2020

In-Person Voting At Weber County Fairgrounds

KSL’s Mike Anderson was live in Weber County as in-person voting continued at the Weber County Fairgrounds.

Despite a larger crowd, election officials said things have been running smoothly.

Voters can register here and pollsters have asked voters to fill out their ballots in their vehicles.

Behind-The-Scenes Look At Utah County Ballot Processing Center

KSL’s Matt Rascon has a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to Utah County ballots after they are turned in.

County officials said they have seen record turnout and extended early voting Monday all-night until 7 a.m. on Election Day.

What’s happens to your ballot after you return it? We got a behind the scenes look at the ballot processing center in Utah Count with deputy clerk Josh Daniels. @KSL5TV #VOTE #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/TEQU4wNM1G

— Matt Rascon KSL (@MattRasconKSL) November 3, 2020

Trump Supporters, Black Lives Matter Supporters Gather Near Salt Lake County Offices

KSL’s Matt Gephardt was live as supporters of both President Trump and Black Lives Matter gathered on opposite sides of 2100 South near State Street and the Salt Lake County Offices Tuesday afternoon.

The two groups began chanting and received both support and disapproval from passing vehicles.

Murray City Hall Busy With Provisional Ballots

KSL’s Alex Cabrero was live at Murray City Hall where poll workers said they have been busy.

This location’s poll coordinator said there have been a lot of provisional ballots cast here. Anyone who is new to Utah and lives in Murray, has recently changed their name or registered to vote today can cast a provisional ballot at this location.

While things have been busy, poll workers said the whole process has been running smoothly.

‘Suspicious Package’ Found Near Salt Lake County Offices Cleared

Officials with the Salt Lake City Police Department said a suspicious package that was reported Tuesday afternoon near the Salt Lake County offices was a harmless toolbox.

State Street was closed near 2100 South and 1900 South while police investigated.

Officers responded to a suspicious package in an open area near 1930 S. State Street. A tool box was disrupted by our Hazardous Devices Unit and found to be harmless. There was no threat to the public, roads in the area have reopened. pic.twitter.com/IgLxm2hzx2

— SLC Police Dept. (@slcpd) November 3, 2020

Smooth Sailing In South Salt Lake

KSL’s Dan Rascon visited the Columbus Senior Center, where there have been short lines and smooth voting.

As of 2:20 p.m., there was no line for voter registration and poll workers are taking extra precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Salt Lake County election officials said there has been a lot of stress leading up to Election Day, but voters at this location have been friendly and excited to cast their ballots.

Does a Mail-in Vote Count if the Person Dies Before Election Day?

There are many questions circulating this Election Day, including ones about what happens to a person’s ballot if they die before it’s counted.

KSL investigator Matt Gephardt confirmed with election officials that if a person dies after mailing in a ballot, that vote will still be counted.

Gephardt was live in Salt Lake County Tuesday to address additional concerns raised by Utah voters.

In-Person Voting Going Smoothly In Weber County

Residents in Weber County who came to the Golden Spike Event Center had an easy time voting Tuesday.

Voters were given a printed ballot – the same ballot that was mailed to registered voters in the state – and then instructed to fill them out in their vehicles.

Once the ballots were completed, voters dropped them off at an outdoor drop box.

More than 100 poll workers were on hand to make sure the process went smoothly.

Check to Make Sure Your Vote Was Counted

The end of Election Day is just hours away, but hundreds of thousands of Utahns have already voted by mail.

So how do those residents know their ballot was received and counted?

The state’s website, vote.utah.gov, has a “Track My Ballot” feature that will prompt users to enter their information to ensure their county clerk received their ballot.

Election Day! Did you mail in your ballot? If so, you can track it and make sure it was counted by clicking here: https://t.co/rbUFGlKYPC #Decision2020 #Election2020 #utpol pic.twitter.com/0Cs2B0CeZs

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) November 3, 2020

If there are any issues matching a voter’s signature to the one that’s on the ballot, a county clerk employee will contact the voter.

Drive-Thru Voting in Davis County

In Davis County, residents are lining up in their vehicles to cast their ballots using the county’s drive-thru voting location at the Legacy Events Center.

Those who received their ballots in the mail are encouraged to bring them to vote. Those ballots can be dropped off, and drivers won’t have to wait in the longer line.

KSL news specialist Felicia Martinez was at the Davis County drive-thru location to show us how the drive-thru process works.

Election officials warned residents that they expect to see things get busier as the day progresses.

Election Day Has Officially Begun

After weeks of mail-in and early voting, Election Day has finally arrived – the last day to make sure your ballot is counted.

The polls officially opened at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, and voters had already lined up outside the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.

The Vivint is one of the many arenas across the U.S. where voters can cast their ballots, and it’s one of 50 locations in Salt Lake County where residents can vote in person.

Those who are planning to vote in person are reminded to bring your IDs. If you have a mail-in ballot, you’re asked to bring it to your polling location to drop it off, or place it in one of your county’s official drop boxes.

Polls close at 8 p.m., and ballots must be placed in drop boxes by 8 p.m., as well.

Doors to #VOTE preparing to open any minute now at Vivant. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/64L7PQW8Ep

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) November 3, 2020

Full Election Coverage from KSL TV

KSL TV has full team coverage of Election Day on air, online and on mobile all day.

Nearly two dozen news specialists will be bringing you the latest information from across the state and the country.

Coverage begins at 4 p.m. on KSL TV and will continue throughout the night, and that coverage will continue with KSL Today beginning at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.

KSL TV will provide local updates on-air every half hour from 6 to 10 p.m., and broadcast a special digital-only update when the polls close in Utah at 8 p.m. That can be viewed on ksltv.com, the KSL TV mobile apps and Roku, AppleTV and Fire TV.